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Many people claim that turmeric is a natural remedy for various ailments. Because it is a natural chemical with few side effects, many see it as an alternative to drugs and other treatments. Although all these things are true, it causes many individuals to underestimate the health benefits of turmeric. Studies have indicated that turmeric can have some very negative side effects when used in large amounts or in combination with other medications.
What is Turmeric?
The root of the turmeric plant, when crushed, is commonly referred to as “turmeric” by humans. Turmeric has been used in India for culinary, medicinal and ceremonial purposes since 4,000 years ago. Turmeric has been shown in many studies to offer many health benefits, even though many of its purported benefits lack scientific support.
Turmeric’s active ingredient, called curcumin, is responsible for most of its health benefits. After a thorough analysis of curcumin, scientists discovered that it has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-curcuminogenic and anti-thrombotic (reduces blood clotting) properties.
People use turmeric as an alternative or in combination with other medicines to treat their ailments for all its health benefits. They often do this to avoid the problems and negative effects that come with using large doses of prescription drugs. But it can have many negative and unpleasant side effects, the very qualities that make turmeric so effective also make it dangerous to consume in combination with other drugs.
Turmeric Side Effects
Turmeric contains many similar ingredients that make it dangerous to drink in combination with many medicines. For example, taking turmeric with blood thinners may be harmful because of its anti-thrombotic properties, which help prevent blood clots. When used with certain types of medications, turmeric can intensify their effects and increase the risk of bleeding. Examples of blood thinners include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), and warfarin (Coumadin).
Also, turmeric interferes with medications that reduce stomach acid. In fact, using these medications will cause your body to produce more stomach acid. This can damage your esophagus and result in nausea, bloating and stomach pain. It is important to remember that there are two different types of antacid medications. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center’s AltMed page, using both turmeric and conventional pharmaceutical drugs together increases stomach acid production.
Omeprazole (Losec, Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) are examples of proton pump inhibitors that block the proton pump in the stomach. H2 blockers that block acid-producing histamine receptors cells in the stomach include famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), nizatidine (Axid), and ranitidine (Zantac).
Turmeric can be harmful if used with diabetes medications (which lowers blood sugar). The effect of these drugs is strengthened by turmeric, which increases the likelihood of low blood sugar. It can cause numerous adverse effects such as tremors, anxiety, visual impairment, psychosis and generalized decreased cognitive function.
Some people may experience adverse reactions from turmeric, such as rashes or hives, or even anaphylaxis and dyspnea. It is advisable to either find a different, natural substitute for turmeric or reduce your dosage if you are allergic to it or if you are on any medicine or drugs.
That said…
The above mentioned list is not exhaustive. Side effects will always vary between individuals due to the number of drugs administered and each individual’s unique chemical makeup. Please let us know if you found this content helpful by leaving a comment below.
NOTICE: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for expert medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions about your health, your current medication or your medical condition, you should always see your doctor or other trained health professional. Don’t ignore professional medical advice or avoid getting help or treatment because of something you read online.
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